Patchwork connection



1966 H. J. TIMMERBEIL 3, ,9

PATCHWORK CONNECTION Filed Feb. 19, 1963 United States Patent 3,235,924 PATCHWORK CONNECTION Hans .lochen Tirnmerbeil, Schwelm, Westphalia, Germany, assignor to Erich and Hugo Timmerbeil, Schwelm, Westphalia, Germany Filed Feb. 19, 1963, Ser. No. 259,680 Claims priority, application Germany, Feb. 20, 1962, T 21,623 5 Claims. (Cl. 24-20) This invention relates to patchwork connections, and more specifically to a patchwork connection for connecting used lengths of band iron which in the connection zone are arranged with their end portions in overlapping relationship, and of the kind including pairs of angular incisions in each of the overlapping end portions of the band iron lengths and two lateral ribs and a middle rib provided by each pair of incisions and pressed out of the plane of the band iron lengths alternately in opposite directions, the middle ribs of the one end portion being inserted between the pairs of lateral ribs of the other end portion and the lateral and middle ribs being securable in an interlocking position by tightening the band iron lengths.

In forming patchwork connections of the kind indicated above considerable difficulties are encountered which above all are due to the fact that there is no tension in the used band iron lengths to be connected that could be utilized for securing the fastening means in an interlocking position. In fact, the band iron lengths to be interconnected are loosely located one above the other and are not yet laid round a package and tightened. To render possible the forming of such patchwork connections despite these difiiculties, special methods and devices have been developed.

According to a known method, securing the connection between the overlapping end portions of band iron lengths is effected in that after the provision of the .pairs of angular incisions and after the resulting ribs have been bent out of the plane of the band iron lengths these latter, while being removed from the die, are positively shifted in relation to each other by a movement carried out in dependence on the die, so that the parts constituting the patchwork connection interlock. In the known device used for carrying out this method, to elfect the shifting of the subjacent end portion of the band iron lengths, a clamping dog holding one of the end portions of the band iron lengths is arranged on a carriage movable in the direction of the band iron against the action of a spring. For moving the carriage a rod is provided which is controlled by the die and with an inclined surface engages the carriage supporting the clamping dog. By the use of this device the relative movement of the two band iron lengths, which is required for securing the interlocking parts, can be obtained, it is true, but only at a considerable technical expenditure. And there is still another grave disadvantage which consists in that the connection between the individual band iron lengths can come apart, for when handling the still untightened baling band the interengaging parts of the lateral and middle ribs for-med by the angular incisions can easily disengage again when the band iron lengths are unintentionally moved relative to each other in the wrong directions. This unintentional movement can be avoided, it is true, in that the parts of the connection once they are in their locking positions are secured by means of a second, different closure. Butthis requires an additional operation and additional tools. Apart from this, such additional closures result in a weakening of'the band iron as they are frequently formed by bores and punched-out portions.

It is the object of the invention to provide an improved patchwork connection of the initially described kind in which the disadvantages heretofore mentioned are eliminated.

To attain this object, the invention provides a patchwork connection especially for connecting used lengths of band iron arranged with end portions in overlapping relationship in the connection zone, which comprises pairs of substantially zigzag-shaped symmetrically arranged angular incisions in each of said end portions of said band iron lengths and extending substantially in the longitudinal direction thereof, two lateral ribs and one middle rib formed by each pair of said angular incisions and pressed out of the plane of said band iron lengths alternately in opposite directions, the middle ribs of the one of the two overlapping end portions being inserted between the pairs of lateral ribs of the other end portion at least said inserted middle ribs of the one end portion being wider dimensioned than the clearance between each pair of lateral ribs of the other end portion, and said middle ribs and lateral ribs being firmly securable in a locking position by tightening said band iron lengths.

Advantageously the lateral ribs may have sloping cutting planes formed by the play of the cutting tools and for reducing the clearance between each pair of lateral ribs the latter may be turned obliquely to the plane of the band iron lengths so that the longer diagonals of substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional areas of said lateral ribs extend substantially parallel to the plane of said band iron lengths.

This measure permits to obtain a reduction of the clearance between each pair of lateral ribs by simple and inexpensive means and the turning of the lateral ribs can be carried out simultaneously with the punching of the angular incisions.

Expediently the lateral ribs of the one end portion which receive between them the middle ribs of the other end portion may converge relative to each other and/or the middle ribs of the one end portion inserted between the lateral ribs of the other end portion of the band iron lengths may have an increased width provided by slitting and forcing them apart. The convergence ofthe lateral ribs may be effected by the application of pressure.

This patchwork connection does not require relative movement between the overlapping end portions of the band iron length to be connected for the purpose of securing the connection. Therefore, all of the devices needed for bringing about such relative movement may be conveniently eliminated. In the patchwork connection proposed by the invention the securing of the connection between the used lengths of band iron thus is not provided by the engagement of the locking parts obtained by the relative motion between the overlapping end portions of the band iron lengths but by the described particular design of the ribs. This patchwork connection is sufiiciently reliable for connecting individual lengths of band iron without any risk of disengagement of the connection. Not until the required length of bailing band thus obtained is laid round a package and in a known manner subjected to tensile stress a relative movement occurs between the overlapping ends of the individual band iron lengths so that the patchwork connection is additionally secured in its locking position.

Two preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package secured by means of baling bands;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a baling band having a patchwork connection according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross section, on an enlarged scale, taken on the line III-III of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a similar cross section through a modified form of patchwork connection of a baling band, and

FIG. 5 is a similar cross section through a further modification.

FIG. 1 shows a package 6 which is provided in its longitudinal direction with one and in its transverse direction with three spaced apart baling bands 7. For baling such packages 6 the material thereof is placed in a press to be compressed therein to substantially bale form and while the material is still in the compressed state the baling bands 7 cut to the required lengths are applied thereto and hooked together by fastening means provided in end portions 8 and 9 of the baling bands 7, as shown particularly in FIG. 2. Such fastening means generally is provided by one or more pairs of angular incisions 10 of substantially zigzag shape and arranged in symmetry. Lateral ribs 11 and a middle rib 18 are formed by each paid of incisions 10. The middle rib 18 and the lateral ribs 11 are pressed out of the plane of the baling band 7 in a known manner, that is alternately in opposite directions.

The angular incisions 10 extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre line of the baling bands 7 and to enable the end portions 8 and 9 of the latter to be hookedrtogether without special devices the middle ribs 18 between the pairs of incisions 10 on the end portion 8 of the baling band 7 are of slightly increased Width as compared with the middle ribs 18 on the opposite end portion 9. Accordingly, the lateral ribs 11 on the end portion 8 are narrower than the lateral ribs 11 on the end portion 9. This permits the end portions 8 and 9 of the baling band 7 to be hooked together by hand in spite of the burr having formed when punching the angular incisions 10. Now, when the pressure acting on the material of the package 6 is released after the end portions 8 and 9 of the baling bands 7 have been hooked together as described the baling bands 7 will be tightened by the ensuing expansion of the previously compressed material so that the fastening means is held in its operative position in which the edge portions of the lateral ribs and middle ribs interlock.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the baling bands 7 consist of at least two band iron lengths 12 and 13. Thus, it is rendered possible that used lengths of band iron which have been cut ofi bales or the like and usually are of different lengths can be used again for producing hoops or baling bands. FIG. 3 shows how the individual band iron lengths 12 and 13 are placed with overlapping end portions 14 and 15 (FIG. 3) in a locking device, each of the overlapping end portions 14 and 15 having one or more fastening means provided by angular incisions 16 extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the band iron lengths 12 and 13. The angular incisions 16 are disposed in pairs in inverse symmetrical relationship and each individual incision 16 is -substantially zigzag-shaped. By the incisions 16 there are formed lateral ribs 17 and middle ribs 18 which are pressed out of the plane of the baling band 7 alternately in opposite directions, as can be seen from FIGS 3 and 4. The pairs of angular incisions 16 provided in the end portions 14 and 15 of the band iron lengths 12 and 13 are substantially identical as they are punched while these end portions 14 and 15 are in overlapping relationship. To avoid disengagement of the fastening means provided by the pairs of angular incisions 16, when handling the untightened baling bands 7, at least in the central region of the pairs of incisions 16 theclearance between the lateral ribs 17 is narrower than the width of the middle ribs 18.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, for reducing the clearance between the lateral ribs 17, which by the play. of the cutting tools are provided with sloping sectional planes, these lateral ribs are turned obliquely in relation to the plane of the band iron so that the longer ones of the diagonals of the substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional 4. areas of the lateral ribs extend substantially parallel to the plane of the band iron. With a conventional baling band the angle through which the lateral ribs 17 will have to be turned is determined by the thickness and width of the lateral ribs 17 and amounts to about 7.5 degrees. According to a further suggestion of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 4, such reduction of the clearance can also be obtained by disposing the lateral ribs 17 in a position converging relative to each other, by exerting adequate pressure on the opposite outer edges of the lateral ribs 17. By the reduction of the clearance between the lateral ribs 17 the middle ribs 18 are firmly held between the lateral ribs 17 so that any risk of disengagement between the band iron lengths 12 and 13 is eliminated. This firm connection between the end portions 14 and 15 of the band iron lengths 12 and 13 can also be attained by increasing the width of the middle ribs 18, for example by slitting and forcing them. apart as shown at 2-0 in FIG. 5. Moreover, also both these measures may be applied at the same time, that is the middle ribs 18 of the one band iron length may be enlarged in width while the clearance between the lateral ribs 17 of the other band iron length is reduced. In each of these cases it is merely necessary that the middle rib 18 of the one band iron length is wider dimensioned than the clearance between the lateral ribs 17 of the other band iron length, between which it is inserted.

The patchwork connection according to the invention could also be used in the manufacture of continuous strip as required e.g. during the heat treatment of metal strip in continuous furnaces or the like. Furthermore, in addition to being used for making baling bands out to predetermined lengths and having end portions which can be connected and secured in a known manner after having been laid round a package, the proposed patchwork connection may also be employed for making endless baling bands. From these endless bands individual hoops are obtained in a known manner in that lengths of the endless band are cut ofr after having been laid round a package and tightened, whereupon the end portions of the hoop thus obtained are connected and interlocked.

. Iclaim:

1. A patchwork connection, especially for connecting used lengths of band iron arranged with end portions in overlapping relationship in a connection zone, one of said overlapping end portions being formed with at least one pair of laterally spaced stepped slits extending substantially in longitudinal direction of said band and converging toward the free end of said one end portion so as to form a middle rib between said slits and a pair of lateral ribs arranged on opposite sides of said middle rib, the other of said overlapping end portions being formed with at least one pair of laterally spaced stepped slits extending substantially in longitudinal direction of said band and diverging toward the free end of said other end portion so as to form a middle rib between said slits and a pair of lateral ribs on opposite sides of the middle rib thereof, at least said middle ribs being bent out of the plane of the respective iron band length and the middle rib of one of the overlapping end portions being inserted between the lateral ribs of the other of said end portions, at least said inserted middle rib of said one end portion being wider than the clearance between said lateral ribs of the other end portion to thus prevent disengagement of said end portions in direction transverse to the plane of the band and said middle ribs and said lateral ribs being firmly securable in a locking position by tightening sa-id iron band lengths.

2. A patchwork connection as set forth in claim 1, wherein said lateral ribs are bent out of the plane of the band ina direction opposite to the bending of said middle rib in such amanner' that the outer edges of laid lateral ribs are bent turthcr out of the plane than the inner edges 5 thereof so that the inner edge faces of said lateral ribs will be inclined toward each other reducing thereby the minimum clearance between said inner edge faces to a dimension smaller than the width of the middle rib inserted therebetween.

3. A patchwork connection as set forth in claim 1, wherein the lateral ribs of said one end portion which receive between themselves the middle rib of said other end portion converge toward each other reducing thereby the minimum clearance between the inner edge faces of said lateral ribs to a dimension smaller than the width of the middle rib inserted therebetween.

4. A patchwork connection as set forth in claim 1, wherein said middle rib of said one end portion inserted in longitudinal direction and spread apart so as to provide for said increased width thereof.

5. A patchwork connection as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said end portions comprises a plurality of pairs of stepped slits, the pairs of said plurality of pairs being spaced in longitudinal direction from each other.

References Cited by the Examiner FOREIGN PATENTS 191,799 9/1957 Germany.

WILLIAM FELDMAN, Primary Examiner.

M. HENSON WOOD, JR., Examiner.

between said lateral ribs of said other end portion is slit 15 BURGESS, Assistant Examiner- 

1. A PATCHWORK CONNECTION, ESPECIALLY FOR CONNECTING USED LENGTHS OF BAND IRON ARRANGED WITH END PORTIONS IN OVERLAPPING RELATIONSHIP IN A CONNECTION ZONE, ONE OF SAID OVERLAPPING END PORTIONS BEING FORMED WITH AT LEAST ONE PAIR OF LATERALLY SPACED STEPPED SLITS EXTENDING SUBSTANTIALLY IN LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION OF SAID BAND AND CONVERGING TOWARD THE FREE END OF SAID ONE END PORTION SO AS TO FORM A MIDDLE RIB BETWEEN SAID SLITS AND A PAIR OF LATERAL RIBS ARRANGED ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID MIDDLE RIB, THE OTHER OF SAID OVERLAPPING END PORTIONS BEING FORMED WITH AT LEAST ONE PAIR OF LATERALLY SPACED STEPPED SLITS EXTENDING SUBSTANTIALLY IN LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION OF SAID BAND AND DIVERGING TOWARD THE FREE END OF SAID OTHER END PORTION SO AS TO FORM A MIDDLE RIB BETWEEN SAID SLITS AND A PAIR OF LATERAL RIBS ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE MIDDLE RIB THEREOF, AT LEAST SAID MIDDLE RIB BEING BENT OUT OF THE PLANE OF THE RESPECTIVE IRON BAND LENGTH AND THE MIDDLE RIB OF ONE OF THE OVERLAPPING END PORTIONS BEING INSERTED BETWEEN THE LATERAL RIBS OF THE OTHER OF SAID END PORTIONS, AT LEAST SAID INSERTED MIDDLE RIB OF SAID ONE END PORTION BEING WIDER THAN THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN SAID LATERAL RIBS OF THE OTHER END PORTION TO THUS PREVENT DISENGAGEMENT OF SAID END PORTIONS IN DIRECTION TRANSVERSE TO THE PLANE OF THE BAND AND SAID MIDDLE RIBS AND SAID LATERAL RIBS BEING FIRMLY SECURABLE IN A LOCKING POSITION BY TIGHTENING SAID IRON BAND LENGTHS. 